Everton have defeated Newcastle United 3-0 on penalties in the Women’s League Cup group stage following a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Demi Stokes’ early strike gave Newcastle United a first half lead at Kingston Park but Emma Bissell’s second half equaliser for Everton forced the contest into a penalty shootout. Everton netted all three of their spot kicks while Brosnan saved all three Newcastle United penalties as the Merseysiders claimed a bonus point.
Newcastle United got off to the perfect start at Kingston Park, breaking the deadlock after just five minutes. Sophie Haywood’s cross found Stokes and she drilled the ball low into the bottom corner of the net.
The Magpies were presented with a great chance to make it two when Isabella Sibley was played through on goal midway through the half but Everton keeper Courtney Brosnan raced out to make a save.
Three minutes later, Newcastle United were in again. Sibley’s low cross found Katie Barker at the back post but she blazed her effort well over the crossbar.
Everton were brighter early in the second half and they levelled matters in the 50th minute. Toni Payne’s cross hit Bissell and the ball rolled over the goal-line.
Newcastle United responded with Barker taking aim at goal but her shot deflected wide. After that moment, Everton arguably looked the more likely team to score, although quality chances were at a premium for a period.
Both sides did carve out chances late in the game. Elysia Boddy and Georgia Gibson both tested Brosnan while Veatriki Sarri fired wide and Elise Stenevik hit the post for Everton as the game ended 1-1. In the resulting shootout, Brosnan was the hero for Everton. She saved all of Newcastle United’s penalties while Everton netted all of theirs to win the tie 3-0 and claim a bonus point.
After tonight’s result, both sides are back in league action this weekend. Newcastle United play host to Durham in the Barclays Women’s Championship while Everton face a trip to Arsenal in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
